October 11, 2019 – City of Midland Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce that it has received a $100,000 grant from the Midland Area Community Foundation to be used towards construction of the City’s barrier-free baseball field in Central Park.
The Midland Miracle Field will be designed as a poured-rubber, barrier-free surface to provide a safe, fully-accessible place for children with physical or cognitive disabilities to play baseball. Once completed, the field will be home to the Middle of the Mitt Miracle League with spring and fall leagues open to players from all Michigan communities. Miracle League players are partnered with an on-field buddy to help with fundamentals and assist during the game, and every player bats, runs, and scores in every inning.
In addition to baseball games, the field will also host events and activities for all members of the community to enjoy.
Construction of the field and parking lot areas is tentatively scheduled to begin in Spring 2020 with an estimated completion date in Fall 2020. A second phase of construction to include restrooms, concessions, a clubhouse, and park shelters will begin in Fall 2020 or Spring 2021 as funds are available. Total cost of the project is estimated at $1.6 million, including a $100,000 endowment fund for future maintenance needs.
“This generous gift from the Midland Area Community Foundation brings our community one step closer to making the Miracle Field a life-changing reality for children and families in our region,” said Director of Public Services Karen Murphy. “We are incredibly appreciative of the Foundation’s ‘stepping up to the plate’ to support our efforts and this project.”
The Midland Area Community Foundation provides philanthropic leadership to strengthen our community by fostering collaboration and giving today and in the future.
Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring the Midland Miracle Field project are invited to contact Recreation Manager Marcie Post at 989-837-6930 or recreation@midland-mi.org. A crowdfunding initiative for residents to contribute to the project will be available in the coming months.
For more information on the Midland Miracle Field and the Middle of the Mitt Miracle League, please visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/miraclefield.